The Restoration in Beautiful Things

Papa Penguin has faithfully tracked my December 25th deadlines for 23 years.

Some of those years, the dwindling countdown raised my blood pressure.

Sometimes it increased my joy.

Every single time, it reduced my bank account. December ain't cheap, friends!

However your advent season is hitting this year, I pray you're able to find some moments of quiet beauty. Yes, even the non-blooming variety. 😉

Keep your eyes peeled for 'beauty breadcrumbs' in the midst of holiday hubbub. I set a goal to find five today, a 'Serenity Now' scavenger hunt of sorts.

It was easy to surpass my quota once I started noticing them, and there were some side-effects: I felt calmer, more patient and appreciative. The merry-go-round in my head paused for a bit. I sighed...you know, the good kind of sigh.

I found

• one masterpiece of a frozen sunrise

• cookie crumbs on the counter (YES this is a blessing 😉)

• snowflakes falling silently

• the warm glow of winter lighting; twinkling string lights and flickering candles

• whipped cream melting into hot cocoa in my favorite mug

• scented geraniums I potted up this fall, now thriving indoors

Tis the season for good gifts, and we're surrounded, friends. Under the tree, in the manger, and within sight wherever we choose to find them.

Got a few of your own? Share in the comments below!